ELLE asks Lorraine’s advice on minimising pores

Enlarged, visible pores are a widespread problem, and although there are no ways to ‘close’ them up, there are ways to help diminish them. From micro-needling and laser treatments to chemical peels, facials and retinoids, Lorraine recommends the right treatments to ElleUK.com readers to help minimise those pesky pores for good.

Pores help maintain healthy skin

“Although we may not like the size of our pores, they do have a purpose,” explains Lorraine. “They are tiny openings to hair follicles and each one produces a natural oil which helps us maintain healthy skin. These oils protect us against infection, dryness and skin chapping.”

Micro-Needling for pore reduction

“A micro-needling treatment can make a visible difference to pores” suggests Lorraine.

“At Eden Skin Clinic we use the innovative Dermapen micro-needling with great effect. The medical grade micro-needling technique uses a number of virtually undetectable needles which create even smaller micro-channels in the skin to remodel collagen and to encourage a healing response in the deeper layers. In turn, this works to diminish the appearance of pores on the skin’s surface.

“Moreover, this type of skin-refining treatment is compatible with a wide range of skin tones, so if you have a darker complexion, this may be better than the laser treatments which I look at later.”

Lorraine also recommended that ELLE readers try microdermabrasion; a skincare technique which uses a jet of abrasive crystals to exfoliate the skin, which helps remove dead skin cells and gently buffs over enlarged pores.

Lorraine recommends peels for pores to ELLE readers

“Professional peels are good at helping to rejuvenate the skin, encouraging old skin cells to shed and revealing healthier, fresher skin.” She continues, “they also kick-start a process called ‘purging’ which will help to lift blackheads and cellular debris from pores, making the skin appear smoother and tighter. In turn, pores look reduced.”

But, she emphasises, it is important to pick the right one. Skin peels range from light to medium and deep and there are a range of different ingredients which you can discuss with Lorraine depending on your skin type.

Non-Ablative Laser Treatment for treating pores

A third option is a Non-Ablative Laser Treatment says Lorraine.

“Not just for healing acne or blasting scars, laser treatments can also help shrink the appearance of pores, as each light pulse works to smooth and refine while encouraging collagen, which plumps up the skin for a more flawless look”

Most of us find we have slightly larger pores in between the eyebrows, nose and on the chin and lasers can help rejuvenate these areas, making the pore appear more reduced and less visible.

Choose a non-ablative laser or a light-based treatment like IPL for minimum downtime. The treatment isn’t painful although some clients say they feel a warm sensation or the feeling of an elastic band being flicked on to their skin.

Include Tretinoin into your skin care routine

Tretinoin (which goes under the brand name Retin-A) is a form of vitamin A which encourages the skin to renew itself at lightning speed. It has mainly been used to treat acne, however, there is recent evidence to suggest that it can reduce pore size.

“It is so important to get it right when using potent products such as these. Prolonged use of Retin-A is not advised, as it can cause photosensitivity, so a high sun factor is always needed, but other side effects can be dry, red and irritated skin, so a cream like this should only be used on affected areas and with professional supervision.”